Midwest Living Review

Ferndale, located 10 miles north of Detroit, is known for its indie arts scene, bustling downtown and plethora of small businesses. Formerly a down-on-its-luck burb, it's now hipster heaven, in the prettiest way possible. Streets are clean, landscaping is abundant and colorful, and the future looks bright in Ferndale -- so much so that for the past four years locals have held the DIY Street Fair. "Do it Yourself" perfectly describes Ferndale residents, who celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit. The fair, located in several parking lots, includes a live-music stage, a beer garden, loads of local art and locavore food. Among the fun finds you can enjoy: Sunday Morning ice cream (maple-flavor with chunks of bacon and waffles), Louisiana-style hot andouille sausage, funny Detroit T-shirts and rainbow-hue rag rugs. During the festival, the streets stream with singles, middle-age couples and families with strollers. Detroit has its problems, no doubt, but the energy on DIY day in Ferndale suggests brighter days ahead.